Newcastle High School for Girls joins Chamber to champion future skills and inclusive growth

As part of the partnership, the school will work alongside Chamber members, businesses and regional stakeholders to champion a more innovative and resilient economy while helping prepare the region’s future workforce.

The partnership aligns closely with our Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan and Inspiring Women in Business programme, particularly its focus on driving inclusive economic growth.

It also reflects the school’s mission to empower girls to reach their full potential by challenging stereotypes and broadening aspirations from an early age.

Amanda Hardie, head of NHSG, said: “Joining the Chamber as a Partner member is an exciting opportunity for us to strengthen our connections with businesses and organisations across the North East.

“As an outward-facing and forward-thinking school, we are passionate about levelling the playing field for girls and young women, ensuring they leave us ready to shape the world across every sector.

“We know that social gender bias can begin at a very young age, which is why we work hard to create an environment where nothing feels off limits to our pupils. Whether that is politics, coding, engineering, cyber security or scientific research, we want girls to see those opportunities as open doors from day one.”

Amanda added: “This partnership is a strong opportunity to connect young people with employers, giving pupils insight into the careers and industries shaping the future of our region. Quite often young people think they need to move out of area to achieve their career aspirations; we hope to retain that talent here in the North East.  

“We want to help businesses engage with the talent pipeline of tomorrow.”

The school says the partnership will create new opportunities for collaboration with senior leaders across the North East, enabling the sharing of insight, influencing policy discussions and shaping the region’s long-term growth priorities.

Erin Newey, strategic partnerships manager at the Chamber, said: “We are delighted to welcome Newcastle High School for Girls as a Partner member. The school’s long-standing commitment to empowering young women and preparing students for the future workforce strongly aligns with our own ambitions for the North East.

“The Chamber is passionate about unlocking the region’s full potential by creating a more inclusive, innovative and resilient economy. Newcastle High School for Girls is already playing an important role in developing future talent, challenging barriers and connecting young women with opportunities across key growth sectors.

“We look forward to working closely together to support skills development, strengthen links between education and industry, and help inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers in the region.”

As the North East’s leading independent school for girls aged 3 to 18, NHSG has been championing and supporting opportunities for girls and young women across the region for 150 years. Situated across two sites in Jesmond and Sandyford, NHSG is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust - a family of 25 schools nationwide. 

Recent initiatives at the school have included the launch of a bespoke NHSG Tech Diploma, delivered in partnership with Northumbria University, helping address growing demand for digital and technical skills in the region.

Our Inspiring Women in Business programme is a series of events designed to empower and support women in the region’s business community. By fostering connections, providing resources and showcasing role models, the programme aims to create a stronger, fairer North East.

Our Partner membership network brings together 26 leading organisations who work collectively on behalf of the wider business community to influence and shape policy at a local and national level to achieve inclusive economic growth across the region.